Woody climber (liane, stems twining) or scandent shrub, sometimes scrambling and trailing, densely rusty-pubescent on young branches, leaves and inflorescences. Leaves opposite: petiole 4–15 (–20) mm long; lamina ovate to lanceolate to elliptic, (2.5–) 5–12 cm long, (1.3–) 1.5–5 cm wide, cuneate to rounded at base, entire or obscurely crenate margin, acute to acuminate at apex, ± glabrous or with simple hairs especially on lower surface, with numerous minute oil dots. Inflorescence a terminal or axillary raceme, with bisexual and male flowers in no consistent pattern. Tepals 2–12, usually 6, often appearing as in 2 whorls, c. 2–4 mm long, whitish, caducous. Stamens 6–15 in both male and bisexual flowers, c. 3–4 mm long; connective prolonged into a short, acute appendage. Ovary superior, c. 2–3 mm long, glabrous; ovule 1 in bisexual flowers; stigma sessile, tufted. Fruit a 1-seeded berry, c. 5–8 mm long, black.
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